Will Hodgman

Premier of Tasmania

Will Hodgman

Premier of Tasmania

7 December 2017

Sarah Courtney,
Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier

Recognition of serving Tasmanians

Today we recognise the 41 Tasmanian men and women deployed in 2017 to serve Australia either in the armed forces or in firefighting efforts in overseas operations.

This year 26 Army Reservists and nine Regular Army personnel deployed on operations Highroad in Afghanistan, Accordion in the Middle East Region, Okra in the Middle East Region and Iraq and Resolute for Australian Maritime Interests.

Also this year Tasmanian firefighters supported their counterparts in Canada where at least 160 fires raged.

British Columbia has similar terrain to Tasmania with steep hills and forests with tall trees, and the expertise of our size firefighting personal was well received and greatly appreciated.

Tasmania has historically punched well above its weight when it comes to overseas operations – since 2010, over 150 Tasmanians have been acknowledged for their service.

There is increasing community awareness and appreciation of the role that Tasmanians play on the international stage through deployments with the ADF, police or fire services and we recognise the sacrifices they make.